A logo sign outside a facility occupied by GlaxoSmithKline, in Rockville, Maryland on April 4, 2015. Photo credit: Kristoffer Tripplaar/ Sipa USA *** Please Use Credit from Credit Field ***

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK) has announced Fidson Healthcare Plc as its preferred local contract manufacturing partner as part of the restructuring of its supply chain model.

In a notice on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the Company Secretary, GSK, Uchenna Uwechia, stated that, multinational companies would be transitioning the manufacturing of its respiratory and wellness products to Fidson from the third quarter of 2021.

The Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae during the Company’s Facts behind the Figure held recently had hinted at a partnership with a global pharmaceutical giant but however declined to mention the name of the partner, preferring to wait until the conclusion of the company’s rights issue.

Prior to this, GSK had early this month, issued a notice stating it says it would shut down its production facility in Agbara by the third quarter of 2021.

The move, according to the firm would enable it to focus on building a more sustainable commercial business.

According to Uwechia, “Following the earlier announcement on the restructuring of its supply chain operating model, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria PLC wishes to announce the selection of Fidson Healthcare Plc as GSK’s preferred local contract manufacturing partner, as part of the changes in our Consumer Healthcare supply chain operating model.

“With this selection and subject to the meeting of appropriate regulatory requirements, GSK will be transitioning the manufacturing of its wellness and respiratory products in the first instance to Fidson from Q3, 2021.

“Until then it would be business as usual at the Agbara Factory as GSK continues to ensure supply continuity for all its locally manufactured brands.

“In choosing Fidson, GSK believes that the partnership would help build and sustain local expertise, technical knowledge and improve local production capacities.

“It is equally important to note that all changes communicated do not impact GSK’s broader commitments to Global Health in Nigeria and across Africa.

“Further note that notwithstanding this restructuring exercise, GSK Nigeria will continue to be listed on the NSE,” he said.